ORGANISERS of the ABP Southampton Half Marathon are vowing to prevent the city from grinding to a halt during the event.

Marafun UK is spearheading the flagship run – the biggest of its kind in the city for more than two decades.

Now just weeks before the event they have released a vital guide warning residents of road closures and promising to do all they can to keep the city moving.

It comes after a series of crashes and major incidents have previously caused transport chaos on the city’s motorways and main routes.

The race takes place on Sunday, April 26, and is the largest held in the city since the Great South Run in 1990.

More than 12,000 spectators are expected to take to the streets to watch 6,000 runners along the 13.1-mile route and a separate 10km course.

The main route starts in Hoglands Park and winds its way across the city before finishing at Guildhall Square.

A series of road closures will operate from 8am-2pm when motorists are being warned to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time.

The Itchen Bridge will be closed from 8am-11am but organisers will keep the Northam Bridge inbound carriageway open throughout the day and will fully open it from 11.30am.

The A33 and A27 will also be fully open throughout.

High Street, Ocean Village and Marine Parade will be restricted when runners will pass between 8.30-9.30am and again from 10.30-11.30am.

Road closures are expected from 10am-noon in Northam and Bitterne Park and from 10am-1pm in the Swaythling and Highfield areas.

Hulse Road and London Road are expected to be closed from 11am-1.30pm as weary runners make their way to the finish line.

Race director Chris Rees said: “The support for the event has been tremendous and the event will provide a great sporting spectacle for the city and an economic boost. But we are also keen to minimise any disruption to residents not involved on race day.’’

More details on road closures can be downloaded at abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk/residents/.